Satcom Systems and Payload Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and international collaboration in space science and research. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

Job Overview:
The Satcom Systems and Payload Lead will play a pivotal role within the Novacom I / OneSat Project, which is part of the Commercial Services and Platforms Partnership Division. This position involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of telecommunications payloads and the associated ground segment, ensuring that all developments align with mission objectives and the requirements set forth by industrial partners and satellite operators. The successful candidate will act as the primary liaison between the ESA partnership project and external stakeholders, making critical decisions regarding design, development, and validation processes. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of both conventional and digital telecommunications payloads, as well as the ability to manage complex projects within defined schedules and budgets. The candidate will also contribute to future mission concepts and commercial opportunities, thereby influencing the direction of ESA's commercial partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Satcom Systems and Payload Lead include leading the design and development of advanced telecommunications payloads, ensuring that all components meet the specified mission requirements. The candidate will define and maintain system requirements and specifications, acting as the technical point of contact for industrial partners. They will coordinate a multidisciplinary engineering team, manage industrial activities, and monitor project progress, including schedules, costs, and risks. The role also involves preparing and conducting various reviews, providing technical and financial reports to the Project Manager, and supporting outreach activities. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the agency and support other related activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, along with a minimum of four years of professional experience in the field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with an additional four years of relevant experience may be acceptable. Direct experience working with prime contractors or operators in commercial telecommunications is highly desirable, as is familiarity with ESA's partnership projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills, along with the ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to both internal teams and external stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or a closely related field is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in telecommunications, systems engineering, or a related discipline, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to manage complex satellite systems and payloads.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in telecommunications satellite design, development, and validation. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex projects, particularly in the context of satellite systems and payloads. Experience with ESA's processes and partnership projects will be considered an asset, as will familiarity with commercial telecommunications operations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of ESA. A good knowledge of French is also required. Additionally, knowledge of another language from an ESA member state would be advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the agency.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. It is classified within the grade band A2-A4, depending on the candidate's experience. The recruitment process will consider candidates from various nationalities, specifically from ESA member states. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. Candidates must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations, and may be required to undergo selection tests and background screening prior to appointment.